National Counselor Exam (NCE)

When asked about a client by someone on the phone, what should the counselor do?

1. Acknowledge the request for information

2. Not acknowledge anything

3. Redirect the caller to the administrative office

4. Provide basic client information

The correct answer is: Not acknowledge anything

In the context of confidentiality and ethical practice within counseling, the correct approach when asked about a client by someone on the phone is to refrain from acknowledging anything. This aligns with the principles of confidentiality, which dictate that a counselor must protect client information and not disclose any details without the client’s explicit consent. Counselors are bound by ethical guidelines that emphasize the importance of maintaining client privacy. Even simply acknowledging the existence of a client relationship can inadvertently disclose confidential information, which could breach trust and legal standards. Not acknowledging anything is a prudent practice that upholds the integrity of the therapeutic relationship and ensures that client confidentiality is never compromised. Other options, such as providing basic client information or redirecting the caller to the administrative office, may imply a willingness to share information that could lead to ethical violations. Acknowledging the request for information, as mentioned in one of the choices, could also be seen as a sign of recognition that the client is indeed receiving services, which goes against the confidentiality requirement.